Pledge to Heal
When one member of the Body suffers, all suffer. (1 Corinthians, 12:26) We are outraged and ashamed that the lives of innocent people and their loved ones have been shattered by the sin of abuse by clergy and church personnel. Where we have failed our people, we own our mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
We believe that healing is essential for victims/survivors of abuse.
- We provide ongoing comprehensive care and services to victims/survivors of sexual abuse
- We offer an Annual Mass of Healing and Reconciliation for Survivors of Clergy Abuse
- We encourage anyone who has been harmed by abuse to come forward, first by contacting law enforcement; and second, by making a report to our Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults at our toll-free, 24-hour reporting hotline, (844) 372-1691, or to our third-party reporting site, https://opcva.ethicspoint.com. All reports are confidential.
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
• United States Catholic Conference of Bishops
Read more on how the Diocese works to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Read more on how the Diocese works to ensure accountability and transparency.
If a minor or a vulnerable adult is in imminent danger, call 911.
To report abuse or suspected abuse, first call law enforcement; and second, contact the Diocese toll-free at (844) 372-1691, or to our third-party reporting site, https://opcva.ethicspoint.com.